BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal Inspects East Jharia Mines, Pushes for Higher Coal Output – Indian PSU
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) Chairman-cum-Managing Director Manoj Kumar Agarwal has inspected mines and washeries in the East Jharia (EJ) area, directing officials to accelerate coal production and dispatch to meet the growing requirements of the power sector.
During his visit to the C-2 HEMM patch of the Amalgamated Bhaura North-South (ABNS) Colliery, Agarwal directed officials to expedite dewatering operations and increase coal production. He instructed the General Manager (E&M) and Regional Manager (E&M) to ensure prompt drainage of the mining patches to facilitate uninterrupted operations.
Reviewing coal exposure levels, the CMD directed mine officials and the contractor to step up daily production and accelerate overburden (OB) removal. He stressed the need to achieve the required production rate to fully utilise the mine’s production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes under the Environmental Clearance (EC).
BCCL Plans Faster Coal Dispatch
Agarwal also reviewed daily coal dispatch and directed officials to commission an additional weighbridge to streamline the movement of coal and improve dispatch efficiency.
The inspection team included the East Jharia Area General Manager, the Project Officer of ABNS Colliery, senior area officials and representatives of the outsourcing company.
Fire-Affected Patch in Sudamdih Reviewed
The CMD subsequently inspected the fire patch at the Amalgamated Sudamdih Pathardih Colliery, reviewing drainage and mining operations.
He directed officials to achieve the required production rate without delay and ensure that output remains aligned with the capacity approved under the Environmental Clearance.
Agarwal also reviewed the relocation of encroachers whose removal is necessary for the further expansion of the mining patch. He called for the process to be completed in a phased and time-bound manner to facilitate the expansion of operations.
CMD Flags Underperformance of Coal Washeries
At Bhojudih Washery, which has a capacity of 2 million tonnes per year (MTY), Agarwal expressed dissatisfaction with its performance.
He informed senior officials of the operating company, ACB, that the performance of both Bhojudih Washery (2 MTY) and Dahibari Washery (1.6 MTY) had fallen short of expectations.
The CMD also raised concerns over the slow progress of the Pathardih-II Washery, which has a planned capacity of 2.5 MTY and is under construction.
He directed the concerned officials to take immediate corrective measures to improve washery performance and ensure the supply of quality coal.
Focus on Production Targets and Safety
Concluding the inspection, Agarwal urged the field teams to exceed production targets through coordinated efforts, improved operational efficiency and strict compliance with safety standards.
The inspection underscores BCCL’s focus on increasing coal output, improving dispatch infrastructure, addressing operational bottlenecks and strengthening coal-washing capacity to support the country’s energy requirements.
